Sunday, December 03, 2006

Thomas Edison Was Deaf, Wasn't He?

It is well known that Thomas Edison was deaf, but later in life, when he was famous (to say the least), a specialist told him that it might be possible to repair his hearing. However Edison declined the offer, saying that this way he could hear when he wanted to hear (and sometimes he heard things to his advantage that others obviously did not intend for him to hear). It was a sort of tranquility on demand.

This brings up several questions in matters of morality, of ethics. Was this honest, to pretend what was not (entirely) so? How many of us tell others everything we know? Should we, no matter how we acquire information? Why was Edison permitted to be left alone to work productively because of his "affliction", when otherwise his time (like ours) might have been taken up by someone wanting to sell him some thing or some idea?

To be sure, it was sneaky, but who isn't? As Jesus said, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone". Now think of all that Edison accomplished — and of the thousands of things he tried that did not succeed, which he viewed as successful because he wouldn't try them again. Apparently, Edison did not regard himself as lonely, for he could communicate with others when he cared to. Another famous man who valued being left along was Alexander Graham Bell, who often spent weekends on his houseboat to get away from the telephone.

My title is a question, and the answer is: Define "deaf". Hearing, like sight, mobility, and health in general, is so involved with other considerations that we can only say, as in most matters, "it depends".

72 Comments:

At 11:28 PM, Blogger kinziephoto said...

I took three years of American sign Language because I once had a friend that I struggled to communicate with because he was Deaf. I felt responsible to learn his language - as he spent most of his time trying to function in a world that wasn't at all designed with him in mind. It was a learning experience.

I think we're all Deaf to certain things.

 
At 1:37 AM, Blogger 2Dubya said...

Hey Don!

Came to check your blog as The Times here in London has did a blerb on you the other day, they said you might be the oldest blogger in the World!

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/0,,173-2477985,00.html

 
At 3:08 AM, Blogger Patrick said...

I know someone who can only hear with his glasses on. I know someone else who can only hear what you're saying if he can see your eyes - your mouth can be completely obscured. Sometimes it's a function of the hearing organs not functioning, sometimes it's a matter of the mind not tuning in properly. I classify the first example as non-deaf, because he always wears his glasses, and I classify the latter as mostly-deaf, because what he does is the equivalent of reading lips.

I submit that Edison would have fallen in to the latter category, but I'm confounded somewhat by a doctor's willingness to cure him. Firstly because it implies some form of actual hearing loss, and secondly because I wasn't aware that hearing loss was something that was generally considered curable until just recently. Is there more information to be had on the proposed cure?

It may be of interest to you that some members of the Deaf Community are currently protesting the availability of cochlear implants. The only readily available link I can find is about the protests in France, but it'll give you the gist: http://www.zak.co.il/deaf-info/old/ci-france.html

 
At 5:06 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

...it might be possible to repair his hearing. However Edison declined the offer, saying that this way he could hear when he wanted to hear (and sometimes he heard things to his advantage that others obviously did not intend for him to hear)
That is very interesting to learn... Maybe also there could have been possible risk factors too, maybe he weighed out the options and decided that it was too risky?

By the way, I published an article about you and added this site to my blogroll.

 
At 8:10 PM, Blogger Alex Pendragon said...

You've just made me aware of my own selfish utilization of my increasing deafness.......like ignoring my wife when I really feel I'm to busy to yell at her "WHAT?"

 
At 9:06 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think deaf or not we only listen and hear things that we want to hear. There has been many many times that I just heard what I wanted and I am sure people around me are like that too.

What is important is how to make poeple hear things that should be heard and worth listening.

Maybe it is a good thing to be selective in hearing. I think Thomas Edison is a proof of that.

All the best Don. You Rock!

 
At 9:53 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

maybe Edison was deaf,
maybe he chose to be deaf
with all the ignorance that
are being said ... and believed..
I too prefer to stay with deaf ears.
Edison, a man of science and technologies, he
must of heard his share of ignorant gratuities

 
At 12:26 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Edison was a thief.

 
At 1:55 AM, Blogger Footpad said...

Hey Don!

My take is that Edison may not have heard the same things as others, but he certainly found ways to listen..and respond...to the people and the world around him.

Sometimes, the different drummer plays an instrument far different than the one we usually imagine.

Interesting thoughts. Thank you for sharing them!

-- f

 
At 4:25 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Donald,
First up all your blog's design is very attractive; I liked it. The topic you have posted here is an interesting one. I did not stopped myself reading it from top to bottom.
If you see, many deaf people can hear and understand you and your feelings in various ways, which are more powerful than the two ears. Then it doesn't matter whether you can hear or not with your ears. I think that's what Edison might want to say. IMO there is nothing about hearing through ears.

 
At 10:32 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I couldn't quite make this out. My eyes must be tired.

 
At 6:42 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Don, missed reading your blog for last few posts...good to catch up. Good Stuff. I make another distinction...between hearing and listening. We can all hear the same stuff but not listen the same communication. Listening is a function of our interpretation(s) of the world and pretty much determines what we hear regardless of what was said. "My father in his house of logs said the world was going to the dogs".

 
At 3:32 PM, Blogger ballookey said...

Well, I put my iPod earbuds in at work a lot when I'm busy. I'm not actually listening to music, but rather, people assume that I can't hear them so they don't bother me. It works great allowing me to get a lot done. It helps filter away the people who didn't really need me.

I can easily imagine that Edison might not have had to exaggerate his deafness if only he'd invented the iPod first - either he'd be totally deaf from listening to his music too loud, or like me, he'd just pretend to be listening.

 
At 5:07 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think..
***
Jak sie masz?


Real Estate Mount Prospect
Eye Lasik Surgery Construction Barricade Maryland Car Accident Lawyer
Precast Concrete Catch Basin Biotechnology Agriculture Air Central Conditioning Unit
====









Car Comparison Insurance Quote
Angeles Cosmetic Dentistry In Los
Emeritus Plastic Reconstructive Surgery
Real Estate Agent Stockton California
Online Law Degree
Commercial Carpet Cleaners
Alabama Liver Damage Lawsuit Lawyer
Elder Abuse Attorney
Security Camera Surveillance System
Attorney Criminal Defense Requirement
Contractor Equipment Vernal
Georgia Wrongful Death Attorney
--------------
Vastomazonok

 
At 7:12 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Guten Tag

We are happy girls!

Rogora khar?
Banker Express Mortgage Power
Bay Area Carpet Cleaners Back Pain Relief Product Back And Shoulder Pain
Dream Touched Big Contractor Top
Carrier Hvac Bad Credit Loan Mortgage Rate Air Conditioning Dryer Filter
Hasta manana

 
At 12:49 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

...please where can I buy a unicorn?

 
At 8:12 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi !.
You may , perhaps curious to know how one can collect a huge starting capital .
There is no need to invest much at first. You may begin to get income with as small sum of money as 20-100 dollars.

AimTrust is what you thought of all the time
The company represents an offshore structure with advanced asset management technologies in production and delivery of pipes for oil and gas.

Its head office is in Panama with affiliates around the world.
Do you want to become really rich in short time?
That`s your choice That`s what you really need!

I`m happy and lucky, I started to get income with the help of this company,
and I invite you to do the same. It`s all about how to select a correct companion who uses your money in a right way - that`s it!.
I make 2G daily, and my first deposit was 1 grand only!
It`s easy to start , just click this link http://utezociva.freewebsitehosting.com/ofegogu.html
and lucky you`re! Let`s take this option together to get rid of nastiness of the life

 
At 5:16 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

[url=http://italtubi.com/levitra/ ]generico levitra online [/url] jxTra di noi dire, si dovrebbe cercare di guardare google.com generico levitra twraphjrck [url=http://www.mister-wong.es/user/COMPRARCIALIS/comprar-viagra/]cialis online[/url]

 
At 4:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Quali parole ... Super, brillante idea [url=http://lacasadicavour.com/tag/cialis/ ]vendita cialis generico [/url]Incredibile )))))))))))))))))))) cialis 5 mg online Sono d'accordo con tutto quanto sopra-ha detto. Possiamo parlare di questo argomento. Qui, o nel pomeriggio.

 
At 12:05 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello!
You may probably be very interested to know how one can make real money on investments.
There is no need to invest much at first.
You may begin to get income with a money that usually goes
on daily food, that's 20-100 dollars.
I have been participating in one company's work for several years,
and I'll be glad to let you know my secrets at my blog.

Please visit blog and send me private message to get the info.

P.S. I earn 1000-2000 per daily now.

http://theinvestblog.com [url=http://theinvestblog.com]Online Investment Blog[/url]

 
At 4:28 PM, Anonymous viagra online said...

Hello friend amazing and very interesting blog about Thomas Edison Was Deaf, Wasn't He?

 
At 12:20 PM, Anonymous citrate sildenafil said...

I really like this write! I enjoy it so much! thanks for give me a good reading moment!

 
At 6:32 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

http://newloans.skachatnow.co.cc/education-loan-maximizer.php - education loan maximizer
[url=http://fastloans.skachatnow.co.cc/fast-easy-payday-loan.php]fast easy payday loan[/url]
[url=http://fastloans.skachatnow.co.cc/alabama-bad-credit-auto-loan.php]alabama bad credit auto loan[/url]
[url=http://loanstoday.skachatnow.co.cc/college-high-large-living-loan-student.php]college high large living loan student[/url]
[url=http://paydayloan.skachatnow.co.cc/texas-small-business-loan.php]texas small business loan[/url]
http://newloans.skachatnow.co.cc/account-bank-loan-no-payday-required.php - account bank loan no payday required
[url=http://loanstoday.skachatnow.co.cc/loan-officer-marketing-material.php]loan officer marketing material[/url]
[url=http://loanstoday.skachatnow.co.cc/car-diego-loan-san-used.php]car diego loan san used[/url]
http://newloans.skachatnow.co.cc/cash-emergency-loan-unlimited.php - cash emergency loan unlimited
http://fastloans.skachatnow.co.cc/bridge-intitle-loan-mortgage.php - bridge intitle loan mortgage

 
At 3:10 AM, Anonymous sheraton tucson hotel said...

Wonderful post. So, I do not really imagine this is likely to have success. Thanks for sharing and letting us aware about this information.

 
At 9:36 AM, Anonymous marry said...

To be sure, it was sneaky, but who isn't? As Jesus said, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone". Now think of all that Edison accomplished — and of the thousands of things he tried that did not succeed, which he viewed as successful because he wouldn't try them again. Apparently, Edison did not regard himself as lonely, for he could premature ejaculation cure communicate with others when he cared to. Another famous man who valued being left along was Alexander Graham Bell, who often spent weekends on his houseboat to get away from the telephone.

 
At 1:57 AM, Anonymous Matthew said...

That's incredibly positive info. to say more, Check this shop since it's the resource with really pleasant things to study.
8

 
At 12:59 PM, Anonymous sports handicapping software said...

interesting that found its way to listen

 
At 7:16 AM, Anonymous Ida said...

This will not truly have success, I consider so.

 
At 12:25 AM, Blogger ferrugiamechanical said...

It implies some form of actual hearing loss, and secondly because I wasn't aware that hearing loss was something.
Air Conditioning Repair The Woodlands

 
At 12:07 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Undeniably consider that which you stated. Your favorite
reason appeared to be at the web the easiest thing to remember of.
I say to you, I certainly get annoyed even as other people consider concerns that they just don't know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and also outlined out the entire thing without having side-effects , folks can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

Here is my web site: bmi Calculator For Women

 
At 5:38 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I really liked this brilliant article. Satisfy continue this
spectacular do business.

Look into my site; xerox phaser 8560mfp driver

 
At 8:40 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for finally talking about > "Thomas Edison Was Deaf, Wasn't He?" < Liked it!

Stop by my page acoustic guitar a chord

 
At 4:15 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am extremely impressed with your writing skills
as well as with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid
theme or did you modify it yourself? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to see a nice blog like this one nowadays.


Feel free to visit my blog :: xerox 8560 cartridges

 
At 12:53 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I truly liked this sparkling article. Kindly continue this amazing operate.


Feel free to surf to my weblog :: xerox phaser 8560dn

 
At 3:08 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

a outwardly unorthodox manner, making jokes, providing unending comedic material. http://genericviagratmeds.net|generic viagra made in usa http://generic-viagra-trust-meds.net|generic viagra next day delivery

 
At 9:15 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and
it's time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or suggestions. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read more things about it!

Feel free to visit my webpage xerox 8560 phaser

 
At 12:55 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey there, Do you believe its additionally great to acquire an utilized inkjet for house usage?

Where can i find Amazon or Best-Buy?

Feel free to surf to my webpage: xerox phaser 8560 drivers

 
At 12:42 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Exactly how do you spell the name of the chemical?

my blog post ... xerox phaser 8560 review - http://opoipo.op.funpic.de/mediawiki-1.17.0/index.php/User:JinaAndre -

 
At 5:14 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was able to find good advice from your blog articles.


Also visit my blog post: xerox 8560 review

 
At 10:38 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

The United States http://ziplinegear.biz/easy-essay-help/ write research papers for money Matt Smith, the current Timelord who is about to step out in the Christmas regeneration episode, appeared via videolink to express his excitement for the 12th Doctor, as well as herald a whole new era of quirky dress size and mad scientist mannerisms. Was it just us or could Matt Smith's "welcome" video to Peter have done with a retake? The actor, who's gearing up to step away from the series, shuffled, switched his eyes from side-to-side rather shiftily and sounded generally unenthused about his successor in an interview broadcast straight after the new Doctor announcement.

 
At 9:39 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

polo ralph lauren outlet, ugg boots, gucci outlet, nike air max, nike roshe run, sac longchamp, ralph lauren pas cher, burberry, air jordan pas cher, oakley sunglasses, ray ban sunglasses, nike outlet, longchamp, christian louboutin outlet, louboutin, chanel handbags, tory burch outlet, ray ban sunglasses, louis vuitton outlet, cheap oakley sunglasses, ray ban sunglasses, oakley sunglasses, oakley sunglasses, kate spade outlet, nike free, louboutin outlet, longchamp outlet, tiffany and co, jordan shoes, michael kors, louis vuitton, louis vuitton, longchamp pas cher, nike air max, tiffany jewelry, oakley sunglasses, prada outlet, louis vuitton outlet, replica watches, prada handbags, uggs on sale, louboutin shoes, louboutin pas cher, air max, ugg boots, polo ralph lauren outlet, louis vuitton, longchamp outlet, replica watches, nike free

 
At 9:12 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Are you tired of seeking loans and mortgages from banks? Have you been turned down constantly by your banks and other financial institutions due to bad credit? Are you about loosing your home due to financial constraints? Global Lenders Inc is here to set you free from debt. For immediate enquires you can contact us via email powerfinance7@gmail.com

LOAN APPLICATION FORM
**********************
1) Full Name:.....
2) Gender:........
3) Loan Amount Needed :...
4) Loan Duration:...............
5) Country:.......
6) Home Address:..
7) Mobile Number:.....
8) Fax Number:......
9) Occupation:....
10) Monthly Income:......
11) Salary Date:....
12) Purpose of loan;...
13) Where did you get our loan advertisement:....
14)Contact email:........

Awaiting your swift response.
May Allah bless you.
IBRAHIM MUSA
Leverage Pvt Ltd.
Associate Director
power Financial Service Pvt.
Contact Us At :powerfinance7@gmail.com

 
At 4:03 AM, Blogger Anna Howell said...

Excellent ideas! The way you laid out this post made a lot of sense. You really helped me and this was exactly what I was looking for. You made it very easy for me to understand, and it greatly helped me out. I'm sure you'll reach so many people with what you've got to say. uk essay writing

 
At 6:52 AM, Blogger Unknown said...

Nice article! Thanks for sharing this article. Checkout essay help

 
At 2:55 AM, Blogger Unknown said...

Hearing loss is one of the most common disorders of the ear and can affect anyone in their lifetime. Various reasons are responsible for causing hearing loss and the treatment is based on which type of hearing loss the patient is suffering from.
Cochlear Implant surgery treatment replaces the function of the damaged inner ear. BSR ENT Clinic has a experienced ENT specialists who has done successful Cochlear Implant surgeries in the past 40 years. Schedule an appointment with our ENT surgeons and get hearing evaluation test and also get the price estimation.
By scheduling an appointment with our audiologist or ENT specialist in Hyderabad and going through hearing evaluation test, your doctor will arrive at the right treatment plan for you.

 
At 5:05 AM, Anonymous Farhan Ejaz said...

i think he can listen

 
At 1:09 AM, Blogger Hire Laptops said...

good post

https://www.hirelaptops.co.uk/

 
At 2:01 AM, Blogger Cheetah said...

This is a nice and informative post Thanks!
https://www.swantao.com/

 
At 2:24 AM, Blogger Unknown said...

This Article is helpful who love movies thanks admin. Download Hindi movies – if you searching for how to download latest Hindi movies then this site article guide to find Hindi movies free download site, here I share best movies downloading site where you can find also latest released new Hindi movie also avail to Downlaod Hindi Movies

 
At 11:31 AM, Blogger mrbeeen said...

best movie website to download and watch latest movies khatrimaza.
https://khatrimaza-movie.com/

 
At 4:58 AM, Anonymous movies counter said...

Moviecounter movierulz 123movies Airtel Recharge

 
At 1:38 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

You have given the best post. I really like you post.
And the last line of you blogspot Is really awesome.
Also see :
Movies counter new movierulz 123 movies download Airtel free RechargeWorldfree4u
..

 
At 11:53 AM, Blogger Felax Babar said...

Such good post i like it plz keep it up
Latest South Dubbed Movies

 
At 3:37 AM, Blogger Catty said...

Thanks for sharing this amazing post, keep sharing with us.
https://oneworldrental.sg/event-wifi-hire

 
At 3:42 AM, Anonymous hrroman said...

If you are looking for the law assignment help then in this case you can opt for our Law Assignments help .we provide the best Online law assignment help.We also provide Civil Law Assignment Help for students across the globe. for more information contact us +16692714848.

 
At 10:02 AM, Blogger mariamith said...

Anyone can attempt writing on your behalf, however, the question is would you pay someone to do it for you without checking their credibility? Our firm has established itself as the most trustworthy assignment helper online firm in Australia and globally. Join these thousands of students and achieve high distinction in each and every one of your college tasks. This is the main reason why most students search for onlineassignmenthelpaustralia over the internet and choose only the most proficient and trusted academic writing experts. So, if you are searching for quality assignment help in canada you can find it right here from the local experts.

 
At 6:20 AM, Blogger Unknown said...

At Fictive, we stand a No Code arrangement. Our group comprehends our clients don't really have the specialized aptitudes required to build up an application. We have made our app development process easy to understand. for more visit https://fictivestudios.com/

 
At 7:41 AM, Anonymous Clothing Store Discount Codes said...

I enjoyed over read your blog post. Your blog have nice information, I got good ideas from this amazing blog. I am always searching like this type blog post. I hope I will see again.

 
At 4:21 AM, Blogger BMW EXPORT CO UK said...

it is fiction Discount Vouchers

 
At 7:59 AM, Anonymous king size waterproof mattress protector said...

This brings up several questions in matters of morality, of ethics. Was this honest, to pretend what was not (entirely) so?
ethically sourced cotton fabric
fabric sourcing in garment industry

 
At 1:39 PM, Anonymous Cgnewz said...

Great Work Keep it up

 
At 2:59 AM, Anonymous 프리미어리그 순위 said...

Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say excellent blog!

 
At 3:00 AM, Anonymous 프리미어리그 said...

I was excited to uncover this website. I want to to thank you for this fantastic read!!

 
At 3:00 AM, Anonymous UFC 스포츠토토 said...

The clearness for your submit is simply nice and that i could think you’re knowledgeable on this subject.

 
At 3:00 AM, Anonymous UFC 베팅 said...

You provided excellent information.

 
At 3:00 AM, Anonymous 탁구게임 규칙 said...

I especially appreciate it; please keep doing it.

 
At 3:01 AM, Anonymous AI 스포츠 분석 said...

Thanks a lot for this great stuff here. I am very much thankful for this site.

 
At 3:01 AM, Anonymous 로켓리그 베팅 said...

Please keep us up to data like this. Thank you for sharing good post!

 
At 3:01 AM, Anonymous 사우디 프로리그 분석 said...

This blog's entries are all generally top-notch and successful.

 
At 3:02 AM, Anonymous MLB 토토 said...

I am really excited to read this post. Thank you, and keep going.

 
At 3:02 AM, Anonymous 해외온라인카지노순위 said...

I like learning new stuff. So, thankuou for this information of yours.

 
At 3:03 AM, Anonymous 호카지노사이트 said...

Pretty part of content.

 

Post a Comment

<< Home